P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape
Exhaust Cam Actuator Circuit Fault (Bank 1)
P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape indicates exhaust cam actuator circuit fault (bank 1). It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed exhaust ocv / vvt solenoid coil (open or shorted) (typically $100–$450). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0013 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0013 is an electrical-circuit fault on the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator (OCV / VVT solenoid). The ECM cannot detect the expected current draw when it commands the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short, or failed driver. Unlike P0014 (over-advanced) which is a position fault, P0013 is specifically a wiring / coil fault — the ECM is reporting that it cannot even communicate with the actuator.
This guide covers P0013 across the 2015-2019 Ford Escape generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0013?
In most cases a 2017 Ford Escape stays drivable for short trips with P0013 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Loss of mid-range torque
- Rough idle when warm
- Hesitation or stumble on light acceleration
- Reduced fuel economy
- Possible engine stalling at low RPM
What causes P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed exhaust OCV / VVT solenoid coil (open or shorted) | Most common | $100–$450 |
| Damaged OCV connector or chafed signal wiring | Common | $50–$250 |
| Corroded connector pins from heat / oil exposure | Common | $30–$200 |
| Shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground OCV wire | Occasional | $80–$350 |
| Failed PCM driver for the exhaust OCV (rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Ford Escape
-
Measure OCV coil resistance
Unplug the exhaust-side OCV on Bank 1. Measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. Most OCVs read 6 to 15 Ω. Infinite resistance is an open coil; near zero is a shorted coil. Either requires solenoid replacement.
Tools: Multimeter, Service spec sheet
-
Inspect the connector
Unplug the connector and look closely for corrosion, bent pins, oil intrusion, or melted insulation. The OCV lives in a hot, oily environment and connectors degrade. Clean with electrical contact cleaner.
Tools: Electrical contact cleaner, Magnifying glass
-
Verify wiring continuity to the PCM
With the OCV disconnected and the connector unplugged at the PCM, measure continuity between each wire and its corresponding PCM pin. Open circuit indicates a broken wire. Short to ground or to power indicates chafed insulation contacting nearby metal or a power source.
Tools: Multimeter, Wiring diagram, Back-probe pins
-
Command the OCV with a scan tool
Bidirectional scan tools can command the OCV on and off while watching live current draw. A working solenoid clicks audibly when commanded. No click + a P0013 confirms either the coil or the wiring.
Tools: Bidirectional scan tool
-
Test for shorted wiring at the engine harness
With the engine off and the OCV unplugged, key on, briefly check the supply wire for unexpected voltage. A "hot" wire with the PCM not commanding the OCV indicates a short to power in the harness.
Tools: Multimeter
Known Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
Manufacturers publish Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) when a known issue affects a specific vehicle. These bulletins come from the NHTSA database for your Ford Escape.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - STRUCTURE Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 26, 2025
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
NHTSA #11025837 - POWER TRAIN Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611
+14 more TSBs available in MECH AI's TSB explorer for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Ford Escape. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Ford Escape diagnostics.
- ENGINE 1476
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 498
- POWER TRAIN 374
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 149
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 146
3 active recalls
- VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Aug 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and…
NHTSA campaign 16V617000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Jun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.…
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Jan 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.…
NHTSA campaign 26V011000
How do I fix P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Replace the exhaust-side VVT oil control valve / OCV
- Repair damaged OCV connector or wiring
- Clean corroded connector pins
- Repair shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground signal wire
About the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
The 2015-2019 Ford Escape was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 1.5L EcoBoost I3, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, 2.5L Hybrid I4. Common trims include S, SE, SEL, Titanium.
P0013 vs P0014
These are the two ways the exhaust VVT system fails on the same hardware:
- P0013 — electrical fault. The ECM cannot drive the solenoid because the circuit is open, shorted, or the coil is dead. No hydraulic action happens at all.
- P0014 — position fault. The solenoid IS being driven, but the cam position does not match what was commanded. The hydraulic side is the problem (sludged passages, failed phaser).
Diagnostic approach differs: P0013 is electrical (resistance, wiring, connector). P0014 is hydraulic (oil pressure, OCV mechanical function, phaser).
When P0013 is the cheap fix
Roughly 60–70 % of P0013 cases trace to the solenoid coil itself — which is a $40–$150 OEM part on most engines and a 10-minute replacement. The other 30–40 % are wiring or connector issues that require a multimeter and patience. The PCM driver failing is rare; do not assume PCM is the cause until everything else has been ruled out.
Why OCV connectors fail in the oil-rich engine bay
The exhaust-side OCV sits on top of the cylinder head — high heat, oil mist, and constant vibration. Standard connector seals harden and crack within 8–10 years of normal use, letting oil migrate up the harness and into the connector. The fix is the connector or the sub-harness, not the OCV.
P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0013 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0013 is an electrical-circuit fault on the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position actuator (OCV / VVT solenoid). The ECM cannot detect the expected current draw when it commands the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short, or failed driver. Unlike P0014 (over-advanced) which is a position fault, P0013 is specifically a wiring / coil fault — the ECM is reporting that it cannot even communicate with the actuator.
What are the symptoms of P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Loss of mid-range torque. Rough idle when warm. Hesitation or stumble on light acceleration. Reduced fuel economy. Possible engine stalling at low RPM
What causes P0013 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Failed exhaust OCV / VVT solenoid coil (open or shorted) (most-common). Damaged OCV connector or chafed signal wiring (common). Corroded connector pins from heat / oil exposure (common). Shorted-to-power or shorted-to-ground OCV wire (occasional). Failed PCM driver for the exhaust OCV (rare) (rare)
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0013?
In most cases a 2017 Ford Escape stays drivable for short trips with P0013 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.